Container device and delivery systems for using the same

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/905,125, filed Jun. 18, 2020, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/862,971, filed Jun. 18, 2019, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

The disclosed subject matter relates to a container device and delivery systems for using the same.

Freight vehicles are used to deliver many types of goods. However, freight vehicles making deliveries to businesses and residences can cause traffic congestion and other problems. In particular, the last-mile of a delivery, where items are handed off to consumers or businesses, is a significant contributor to freight-related congestion, for several reasons. For example, there is often insufficient parking for a delivery vehicle outside of a residence or business, and a driver of the delivery vehicle may therefore double park in a street while making a delivery, resulting in traffic congestion. Additionally, deliveries may be attempted when a resident is not at home, which results in a failed delivery and thus require multiple subsequent delivery attempts.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide new container devices and delivery systems for using the same.

Container devices and delivery systems for using the same are provided.

In accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, a method for delivering packages is provided, the method comprising: receiving, at a delivery hub, a first package to be delivered to a recipient; causing the first package to be placed in a container to be delivered to the recipient; associating an identifier of the first package and an identifier of the container with the recipient; determining, at a first time point, whether the container is ready to be delivered to the recipient; in response to determining that the container is not ready to be delivered to the recipient, waiting for a second package to be delivered to the recipient; receiving the second package to be delivered to the recipient; causing the second package to be placed in the container; associating an identifier of the second package with the identifier of the container; determining, at a second time point, whether the container is ready to be delivered to the recipient; and, in response to determining that the container is ready to be delivered to the recipient, causing the container to be loaded onto a delivery vehicle.

In some embodiments, the container has a lock associated with a password corresponding to the recipient.

In some embodiments, determining, at the second time point, whether the container is ready to be delivered to the recipient is based on a storage temperature of the second package.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises: storing, in a database, the identifier of the first package, the identifier of the second package, and the identifier of the container in connection with a time at which the container was loaded onto the delivery vehicle; receiving information indicating that the container has been delivered to the recipient; and updating the database with the information indicating that the container has been delivered to the recipient.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises: receiving a request to present information associated with the container from a user device associated with the recipient; retrieving information associated with the container from the database; and causing the information associated with the database to be presented in a user interface on the user device.

In some embodiments, determining, at the first time point, whether the container is ready to be delivered to the recipient is based on a number of packages expected for the recipient.

In some embodiments, the first package and the second package are delivered to the delivery hub via different delivery services.

In accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, a system for delivering packages is provided, the system comprising a hardware processor that: receives, at a delivery hub, a first package to be delivered to a recipient; causes the first package to be placed in a container to be delivered to the recipient; associates an identifier of the first package and an identifier of the container with the recipient; determines, at a first time point, whether the container is ready to be delivered to the recipient; in response to determining that the container is not ready to be delivered to the recipient, waits for a second package to be delivered to the recipient; receives the second package to be delivered to the recipient; causes the second package to be placed in the container; associates an identifier of the second package with the identifier of the container; determines, at a second time point, whether the container is ready to be delivered to the recipient; and, in response to determining that the container is ready to be delivered to the recipient, causes the container to be loaded onto a delivery vehicle.

In accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing computer executable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method for delivering packages is provided, the method comprising: receiving, at a delivery hub, a first package to be delivered to a recipient; causing the first package to be placed in a container to be delivered to the recipient; associating an identifier of the first package and an identifier of the container with the recipient; determining, at a first time point, whether the container is ready to be delivered to the recipient; in response to determining that the container is not ready to be delivered to the recipient, waiting for a second package to be delivered to the recipient; receiving the second package to be delivered to the recipient; causing the second package to be placed in the container; associating an identifier of the second package with the identifier of the container; determining, at a second time point, whether the container is ready to be delivered to the recipient; and, in response to determining that the container is ready to be delivered to the recipient, causing the container to be loaded onto a delivery vehicle.

In accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, a system for delivering packages is provided, the system comprising: means for receiving, at a delivery hub, a first package to be delivered to a recipient; means for causing the first package to be placed in a container to be delivered to the recipient; means for associating an identifier of the first package and an identifier of the container with the recipient; means for determining, at a first time point, whether the container is ready to be delivered to the recipient; means for waiting for a second package to be delivered to the recipient in response to determining that the container is not ready to be delivered to the recipient; means for receiving the second package to be delivered to the recipient; means for causing the second package to be placed in the container; means for associating an identifier of the second package with the identifier of the container; means for determining, at a second time point, whether the container is ready to be delivered to the recipient; and means for causing the container to be loaded onto a delivery vehicle in response to determining that the container is ready to be delivered to the recipient.

In accordance with various embodiments, a container device and delivery systems for using the same are provided.

In some embodiments, the mechanisms described herein can be used to facilitate shipping and delivery of goods. For example, as shown in and described below in connection with, packages, parcels, and/or other items can be placed in container devices, which can then be delivered to an end recipient. In some such embodiments, a container device can be a smart container device and can include any suitable features that allow for secure access to the container device and the contents of the container device, tracking of the container device as it is moved from a logistics hub to an end recipient, and/or any other suitable features. For example, as shown in and described below in connection with, the container device can include a lock (e.g., a digital lock, and/or any other suitable type of lock) that can allow the container device to be opened (and, therefore, allow access to content stored in the container device) by an intended delivery recipient or a user designated by the recipient. This can, for example, ensure the security of a package or parcel placed within the security device and reduce the prevalence of stolen deliveries. As another example, in some embodiments, the container device can include a barcode or an RFID chip that can allow the container device to be identified and tracked as it is moved from a logistics hub to an end recipient.

In some embodiments, the mechanisms described herein can be used at a logistics hub that is used to deliver packages, parcels, mail, and/or any other suitable deliveries to end recipients (e.g., businesses, residences, and/or any other suitable type of end recipient). For example, as shown in and described below in connection with, the mechanisms described herein can identify packages, parcels, mail, and/or other items that arrive at the logistics hub (e.g., via one or more delivery trucks), and can cause the packages, parcels, mail, and/or other items to be sorted in any suitable manner. In some embodiments, the mechanisms can then cause packages or other items to be placed in one or more container devices such that each container device includes packages or items to be delivered to a particular recipient. For example, as described below in connection with, the mechanisms can determine that a container device that includes a first package to a particular recipient is not to be delivered to the recipient until a second package is also placed in the container device, thereby consolidating multiple items to be delivered to the recipient and reducing the number of deliveries to a particular recipient.

As another example, in some embodiments, as shown in and described below in connection with, the mechanisms can cause a container device that includes one or more items to be delivered to a recipient to be loaded onto a delivery vehicle. Note that, in some embodiments, as described more in connection with, the delivery vehicle can be any suitable type of delivery vehicle, such as an autonomous vehicle, a semi-autonomous vehicle, a manned vehicle, and/or any other suitable type of vehicle. Additionally, in some embodiments, the delivery vehicle can travel in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, the delivery vehicle can be an autonomous robotic dolly that is configured to travel through one or more underground tunnels that connects a network of buildings, thereby leaving above-ground streets and roads clear of last-mile delivery vehicles.

As yet another example, in some embodiments, as shown in and described below in connection with, the mechanisms can associate (1) a unique identifier that is associated with a container device containing an item to be delivered to a recipient with (2) a unique identifier of the item and (3) a unique identifier of the recipient and can store information indicating the association in any suitable manner (e.g., by creating a new entry in a secure database that is used to store information associated with deliveries, and/or in any other suitable manner). In some embodiments, the mechanisms can then update information associated with the container device, such as information indicating a robotic dolly that has been assigned to transport the container device, timing information as to when the container device will be picked up or delivered, information indicating a current location of the container device, information indicating a route through the underground tunnels to deliver the container device, information regarding the contents of the container, and/or any other suitable information.

Note that, in some embodiments, information about a delivery and/or a container device that includes an item to be delivered to a recipient can be accessed in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, the logistics hub can be associated with an application (e.g., an application that executes on a user device, and/or any other suitable type of application) that provides information to users indicating any suitable delivery information. For example, as described below in connection with, in some embodiments, the application can be used to present an indication of a current location of a container device that includes a package to be delivered to a recipient. In some such embodiments, the current location of the container device can be updated as the container device travels from the logistics hub to the recipient. As another example, in some embodiments, the application can be used by the recipient to receive or set a code that is used to actuate a lock of a container device. As yet another example, in some embodiments, the application can be used by the recipient to indicate an alternate recipient (e.g., a friend of the recipient, and/or any other suitable alternate recipient) who is to receive a delivered package.

Note that, in some embodiments, the application, the logistics hub, and tracking information associated with a container device or delivery of a container device can each be associated with a central database system. For example, in some embodiments, an application executing on a user device can access the central database to retrieve tracking information associated with a container device that contains a delivery for a user of the user device. As another example, in some embodiments, a device associated with the logistics hub can access the central database system to update a database with any suitable information related to deliveries, container devices, and/or any other suitable information. As a more particular example, in some embodiments, the device associated with the logistics hub can update the central database system to indicate that a delivery for a particular recipient has been placed in a container device associated with a particular container identifier. As another more particular example, in some embodiments, the device associated with the logistics hub can update the central database system to indicate that a container device associated with a particular container identifier has left the logistics hub for delivery to the recipient at a particular time.

Note that, although the mechanisms described herein are generally used to describe delivery of items from a logistics hub to an end recipient, in some embodiments, the mechanisms described herein can be used to transport items from an end recipient to the hub. For example, in some embodiments, the mechanisms described herein can be used to transport waste (e.g., items to be recycled, trash, and/or any other suitable items) from a resident of a building to a hub for sorting and/or disposal as shown in. As a more particular example, in some embodiments, the container devices and/or the delivery vehicles described herein can be used to hold and transport items from a resident of a building to the hub. As another example, in some embodiments, the mechanisms described herein can be used to access items stored at a centralized hub as shown in. As a more particular example, in some embodiments, a centralized hub can be used as a storage facility for residents of one or more buildings in a geographical region, and, in some embodiments, items stored at the centralized hub can be retrieved from the hub using the mechanisms described herein. As a specific example, in some embodiments, a resident can store one or more particular items in a container device associated with an identifier, and the container device can then be stored at the hub. Continuing with this example, in some embodiments, the resident can then select the container device using the identifier (e.g., via an application associated with the hub, and/or in any other suitable manner), and can request that the container device be delivered to the recipient using, for example, the autonomous delivery vehicles described herein.

Additionally, note that, in some embodiments, the mechanisms described herein can be used by a commercial or retail entity to deliver and/or store items (e.g., inventory of a retail business, and/or any other suitable items). For example, in some embodiments, the mechanisms described herein can be used by a commercial or retail entity to store items in a central location and/or to retrieve the stored items from the central location at any suitable time. As another example, in some embodiments, the mechanisms described herein can be used by a commercial or retail entity to deliver items to customers.

Although the mechanisms described herein are generally described as using a central logistics hub to coordinate delivery of packages or items, in some embodiments, the mechanisms described herein can be used to deliver a package or an item from one entity (e.g., a residential entity, a commercial entity, a retail entity, etc.) to another entity (e.g., a residential entity, a commercial entity, a retail entity, etc.) without the package or item passing through the central logistics hub. For example, in some embodiments, a package or item sender can arrange for pickup of the package or the item (e.g., using the application described above). In some such embodiments, a delivery vehicle can then arrive at an address or location associated with the package or item sender to pick up the package or item. In some embodiments, the delivery vehicle can then go to an address or location associated with the package or item recipient to deliver the package or item. Note that, in some embodiments, the delivery vehicle can be any suitable type of vehicle (e.g., a truck, a car, a dolly, etc.) and can be manually operated, semi-autonomous, or autonomous.

These and other features of the container device and delivery systems for using the same are further described below in connection with.

Turning to, an illustrative example of container devices in a logistics hub is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. As shown in, in some embodiments, a logistics hubcan be provided for, among other things, deliveries, waste, storage, and/or borrowing services. Such a logistics hubcan, for example, centralize inbound and outbound deliveries by allowing carriers to bundle deliveries and drop them off at a single neighborhood location, thereby saving time and reducing the impact of truck trips on local streets.

In some embodiments, logistics hubcan include a consolidation centerthat consolidates inbound and outbound deliveries in a single location. For example, as shown in, consolidation centercan receive and/or otherwise collect deliveries and prepare the deliveries for last-mile transport via one or more underground tunnels that connect consolidation centerinto one or more buildings. In a more particular example, consolidation centercan receive inbound parcels from one or more delivery carriers at a single location. In continuing this example, the inbound parcels can be sorted (e.g., by address) and placed into a container device, such as the container devices described below in connection with. In turn, the inbound parcels can be sent to their final destination within the neighborhood via the container devices. Conversely, one or more container devices that are inbound to consolidation centercan transport parcels or deliveries for pickup by one or more delivery carriers.

It should be noted that consolidation centerin logistics hubcan be used, for example, to reduce the number of delivery vehicles coming into the neighborhood as delivery carriers would be able to consolidate deliveries into fewer delivery vehicles. It should also be noted that consolidation centerin logistics hubcan be used, for example, to improve conditions in and around a neighborhood (e.g., fewer delivery vehicles looking for parking, fewer failed delivery attempts, less fuel burning from multiple delivery vehicles, less lost time, etc.). It should further be noted that consolidation centerin logistics hubcan be used, for example, to allow delivery carriers to unload an entire delivery vehicle of inbound parcels and collect outbound parcels, thereby ensuring that delivery vehicles are moving efficiently and not consuming resources while being empty.

In some embodiments, logistics hubcan include a waste consolidation sitethat consolidate various types of waste as a single location. This can, for example, reduce the presence of garbage pickup vehicles on local streets of the neighborhood. For example, as shown in, waste consolidation sitein logistics hubcan receive waste from three separate streams corresponding to organic waste, recyclable waste, and landfill waste, respectively. In a more particular example, these separate streams of waste can be transported via a series of pneumatic or vacuum tubes to waste consolidation sitein logistics hub. In continuing this example, while landfill waste, organic waste, and metal, glass, and/or plastic waste may be transported from a residential building to waste consolidation sitein logistics hubusing underground vacuum tubes, certain types of recyclable waste, such as recyclable cardboard and other items that may not be suitable for transport through a vacuum tube system, can be transported to waste consolidation sitein logistics hubusing the neighborhood freight system that uses one or more container devices (e.g., the container devices described in). It should also be noted that, in some embodiments, oversized waste may trigger a permitting process that requires direct pick-up of the oversized waste from the residential building or from the residence within the residential building.

In some embodiments, logistics hubcan include an off-site storage servicethat enables residents and/or businesses in the neighborhood of logistics hubto store goods and have one or more stored goods retrieved and delivered on-demand. For example, a client application that corresponds to off-site storage serviceof logistics hubcan be used by a user to order particular items being stored in off-site storage servicefor delivery to the residence associated with the user. In continuing this example, the client application can provide one or more user interfaces that present the individual items that a user has storage along with a personalized inventory list with images or accessible audio descriptions for retrieval. In a more particular example, the client application in connection with off-site storage servicecan be used by residents of the neighborhood for short-term storage of bulky cookware, luggage, and other items used occasionally and longer-term storage of items used seasonally, such as winter clothes or skating equipment. In another more particular example, the client application in connection with off-site storage servicecan be used by businesses in the neighborhood to reduce stockroom clutter. As such, retail stores in the neighborhood can act as showrooms with limited items placed within the storage and excess products stored off-site at off-site storage serviceof logistics hub. It should be noted that, because off-site storage serviceof logistics hubcan be co-located with consolidation centerof logistics hub, items can be transported to customers in the neighborhood in container devices via one or more underground tunnels or to customers outside of the neighborhood via a delivery truck that picks up the item at consolidation centerof logistics hub. It should be noted that this can allow consumers to shop throughout the neighborhood without having to carry purchases with the consumer, which may free the consumer from using a car to transport purchased items from the retail store to the residence.

In some embodiments, logistics hubcan include a borrowing libraryof items (such as power tools or sound systems) that is available for delivery across the neighborhood. For example, borrowing librarycan contain a peer-to-peer “library of things” service for residents and/or businesses of the neighborhood that allows on to borrow or rent particular items. In continuing this example, the borrowing libraryof logistics hubcan store these various items and allow users to rent them out. In a more particular example, a client application that corresponds to borrowing libraryof logistics hubcan be used by a user to rent and/or borrow a particular item that is available in borrowing libraryfor delivery to the residence associates with the user, where the client application can provide one or more user interfaces that present the individual items that are available for rent.

Accordingly, logistics hubcan be provided for, among other things, deliveries, waste, storage, and/or borrowing services. Such a logistics hubcan, for example, centralize inbound and outbound deliveries with the use of container devices, such as the container devices described below in connection with.

Turning to, illustrative examples of a container deviceare shown in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

Container devicecan be any suitable type of container device for holding any suitable number (e.g., one, two, five, ten, and/or any other suitable number) of packages. For example, in some embodiments, container devicecan be a container device for holding a group of packages that are all to be delivered to a particular recipient. In some embodiments, container devicecan be of any suitable shape. For example, in some embodiments, as illustrated in, in some embodiments, container devicecan be a container device with rectangular sides. In some embodiments, container devicecan be made of any suitable material or combination of materials (e.g., cardboard, metal, plastic, and/or any other suitable material(s)).

Note that, in some embodiments, container devicecan be of any suitable size. For example, as illustrated in, container devicecan be of a relatively large size. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, as shown in, a container device can be of a relatively smaller size, such as container device(in which the height of container deviceis less than the height of container device). Note that, in some embodiments, a logistics hub can use multiple container devices of varying sizes. In some such embodiments, container devices of varying sizes (e.g., container deviceand container device) can be sized such that a lid (e.g., lid) fits on multiple container devices of different sizes. For example, as illustrated in, container deviceand container devicecan be sized to have the same dimensions in two dimensions (e.g., length and width), but differently sized in a third dimension (e.g., height), such that lidfits on both container deviceand container device.

Additionally, note that, in some embodiments, container devicecan be configured or sized in any suitable manner to hold any suitable number of storage totes, which can be used to store items at a logistics hub. For example, in some embodiments, packages or items can be stored in any suitable type of storage tote, which can be identified in any suitable manner. For example, each storage tote can be associated with a unique identifier that indicates a resident or entity who is storing items in the storage tote. As another example, in some embodiments, each storage tote can be used to hold packages to be delivered to a particular recipient. In some such embodiments, the storage tote can then be moved in to container device, for example, in response to an indicating that items or packages in the storage tote are to be delivered to the recipient.

As illustrated in, in some embodiments, container devicecan have a lid. In some embodiments, lidcan be configured to attach to container devicein any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, lidcan attach to container devicewith one or more latches that secure lidto container device. Additionally, as shown in, container deviceand/or lidcan be connected to a lock. In some embodiments, lockcan prevent container devicefrom being opened by a person other than an intended recipient of container device. In some embodiments, lockcan be any suitable type of lock, such as a digital lock that uses any suitable type of verification to authenticate a recipient. For example, in some embodiments, lockcan use a fingerprint reader, facial recognition, a keypad that accepts a PIN or other passcode, and/or any other suitable type of digital lock.

In some embodiments, container devicecan be configured with one or more sensors such that, in response to the sensors detecting that secure lidhas been connected to container device, container devicecan actuate the locking mechanism of lockto secure the contents of container deviceand can transmit the PIN or passcode for unlocking container device along with the unique identifier associated with container device, the identifier associated with the contents of container device, and the identifier associated with the recipient of container devicefor storage in a secure database. It should be noted that lockcan be unlocked using any suitable approach. For example, rather than accepting a PIN or a passcode, lockcan be unlocked by receiving a particular communications signal (e.g. a near field communication signal, a Bluetooth signal, etc.) from a device associated with the recipient in which the recipient has been authenticated using his or her unique identifier. In continuing this example, in response to receiving the communications signal from the device, lockcan actuate to become unlocked such that secure lidcan be removed from container deviceand the sensors, upon detecting that secure lidhas been removed or that container devicehas otherwise been opened, can transmit a confirmation signal to the server that causes an indication that container devicehas been received and opened to be stored in a corresponding database entry of the secure database.

As illustrated in, in some embodiments, container devicecan have a barcode. In some embodiments, barcodecan correspond to a unique identifier of container device. In some embodiments, barcodecan be used for any suitable purpose. For example, as described below in more detail in connection with, a unique identifier of container devicethat corresponds to barcodecan be associated with a package inside container deviceas well as an identifier of a recipient of container device. In some such embodiments, barcodecan then be scanned at any suitable time points (e.g., as a package is placed in container device, as container deviceis moved along a delivery pipeline, at a time point that container deviceis delivered to a recipient, and/or at any other suitable time points) such that a recipient of container devicecan track container device, and therefore, a package inside container device. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, container devicecan have an embedded RFID trackerthat can be used to track a container device and/or a package inside a container device.

Turning to, another example of a container devicethat can be used for storing and/or delivering items is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. As illustrated, container devicecan have a lock. In some embodiments, lockcan be any suitable lock, such as a digital lock similar to lock, as described above in connection with FIG. IC.

Note that, as shown in, in some embodiments, container devicecan be made of any suitable material (e.g., cardboard, fabric, and/or any other suitable type of material) such that container devicecan be unfolded and/or deconstructed in any suitable manner, as shown by unfolded container devicein.

It should also be noted that, in some embodiments, container devices can be stacked to form a delivery locker system as shown in. For example, container devices can be configured with alignment mechanisms that allow a first container device to be aligned with a second container device. For example, rather than including lidshown in, a first container devicecan be configured to be stackable such that the container device can be opened from a side portion while being in a stacked orientation with a second container device(as opposed to thein which lid is connected to container deviceusing a latching mechanism and a lock). In another example, a first container devicecan be configured to be stackable such that lockcan be accessible and bar codecan remain visible while being in a stacked orientation with a second container device.

For example, in response to a robotic dollyor other autonomous delivery vehicle determining that the recipient is unavailable (e.g., unsuccessful attempts to reach the recipient, inability to reach a location associated with the recipient, receiving a notification from the recipient that the recipient is not available to receive a container device containing one or more packages, etc.), the robotic dollycan place the associated container device in a location designated for the temporary storage of container devices (e.g., a mail room, a delivery locker room, a front porch, a yard, and/or any other suitable location). In continuing this example, in response to detecting that another container device has been placed in the designated container device location, the robotic dolly can be configured to stack the container device on the container device that has been placed in the designated container device location as shown in(e.g., by aligning the container devices using the alignment mechanisms on the container devices). This delivery locker system can, for example, act as a mailroom, thereby providing a space where tenants of one or more buildings can easily access mail and packages.

Additionally or alternatively to the locker system, the alignment and connection mechanisms that are integrated in each container device can allow a container device to be stacked onto another container device to create a stacked assembly for loading onto and transport using a robotic dolly. For example, in response to determining that two container devices are being delivered to similar locations (e.g., where the two container devices are being delivered to the same building or the same recipient, where it is determined that the two container devices have a similar delivery path via underground tunnels, etc.), the robotic dolly can be configured to stack a first container device onto a second container device to form a stacked assembly that is then loaded onto the robotic dolly for delivery.

It should be noted that, although the container devices are generally described as being handled by a robotic dolly, any suitable type of delivery vehicle can be used to transport a container device. For example, a container device can be configured to be transported by a cargo bicycle, a self-driving vehicle, or a delivery drone.

Turning to, an illustrative exampleof a process for managing shipping and deliveries is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Note that, in some embodiments, processcan be implemented on any suitable device. For example, in some embodiments, blocks of processcan be implemented on a server associated with a logistics hub, such as a hub where packages and other deliveries for a particular geographic region (e.g., a town, a city, etc.) are first received prior to being delivered to their final recipients.

Processcan begin atby receiving a package to be delivered to a recipient. Note that, in some embodiments, a package as referred to herein can refer to any suitable type of package, mail, and/or parcel that is being delivered using any suitable delivery service.

In some embodiments, processcan receive the package in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, the logistics hub can receive a group of packages delivered to a loading bay of the logistics hub (e.g., logistics hubof) from a truck associated with a particular shipping or mail service. As a more particular example, in some embodiments, the logistics hub can have one or more extendable conveyor belts such that a conveyor belt can be moved into a back portion of a delivery truck trailer. Packages, pallets, or other items from the delivery truck trailer can then be placed onto the conveyor belt to be moved into the logistics hub. Note that, in some embodiments, packages, pallets, or other items from the delivery truck can be placed onto the conveyer belt in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, a robotic arm or other autonomous truck unloading system can be used to move packages or pallets from the delivery truck onto the conveyer belt. In some embodiments, the conveyor belt can have any suitable orientation. For example, in some embodiments, the conveyor belt can be oriented at a decline such that packages or other items placed on the conveyor belt are transported to a basement or below ground area of the hub. In some embodiments, packages, pallets, or other items can be removed from the conveyor belt at the logistics hub in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, items can be removed from the conveyor belt using a robotic arm or other automated apparatus.

Note that, in some embodiments, packages or items can be routed within the logistics hub in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, packages or items can be routed to particular areas within the logistics hub based on a delivery address associated with each package or item. As a more particular example, in some embodiments processcan determine a delivery address associated with a particular item, and can determine a particular area within the logistics hub to which the item is to be routed based on the delivery address of the item, such that packages or items that are to be delivered within a particular proximity of each other (e.g., within the same city block, to the same apartment building, and/or within any other suitable proximity), are routed to the same area within the logistics hub. In some embodiments, a delivery address associated with a package or other item can be determined in any other suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, processcan scan an address printed on the package or on a delivery slip associated with an item to be delivered. In some embodiments, processcan identify any other suitable information associated with a package or item to be delivered, such as a weight of the package or item, dimensions of the package or item, a relative urgency of contents of the package or item, and/or any other suitable information.